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Haute-France, the northernmost region of mainland France, is a land of contrasts forged by history, industry and surprising nature. Its flat landscapes hold the deep scars and moving memorials of the First World War. Its industrial past has been reinvented in places like the Louvre-Lens museum, and its Flemish heritage is palpable in Lille's architecture and traditions. From the majestic cliffs of the Opal Coast to the Bay of Somme, through its Gothic cathedrals and bustling carnivals, it is a region of unexpected human warmth, with a strong character and festive culture.
Descubre las ciudades más fascinantes de Upper France
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The region is famous for its massive festive traditions and major cultural and sporting events.
January to March.
One of the most famous and wild carnivals in France. For several weeks, participants ('carnavaleux') parade through the streets in colorful costumes and umbrellas, singing and following the brass band, with the famous 'herring toss' from the balcony of the town hall as the highlight.
First weekend of September.
The largest and most famous market in Europe. Millions of visitors invade Lille to look for bargains, stroll through the antique stalls and enjoy the festive atmosphere, eating the traditional 'moules-frites' (mussels with fries).
February.
The largest sand motorcycle race in the world, which brings together more than a thousand professional and amateur riders on Le Touquet beach for an impressive spectacle.
Early July.
An important pop-rock music festival held in the incomparable setting of the Citadel of Arras, attracting major international stars.
The cuisine of Haute France is generous, comforting and with clear Flemish influences. It is a cuisine of land and sea, where beer often replaces wine in recipes, and Maroilles cheese and chicory are star ingredients.
A beef stew simmered for hours in beer (usually a toasted beer or 'brune'), with onion and gingerbread spread with mustard.
The quintessential pub dish. A slice of toast soaked in beer and topped with plenty of melted cheddar (or Maroilles) cheese, often with ham and a fried egg on top.
Although it is found throughout France, it is an institution here. They are served in a large pot, traditionally cooked with white wine, celery and onion, and accompanied by double-fried French fries.
A typical Picardy starter. A savory crêpe filled with ham, mushrooms and shallots, covered with cream and cheese and baked in the oven.
The most famous cheese in the region, with a powerful aroma but a milder flavor than its smell suggests. It is enjoyed alone or as a key ingredient in dishes such as 'tarte au Maroilles'.
The regional drink par excellence. With over 100 breweries, the region is famous for its 'Bières de Garde', top-fermented beers, and a growing craft beer scene.
A traditional spirit made from cereals and flavored with juniper berries, enjoyed as a digestive. The Houlle distillery is one of the last to produce it in an artisanal way.
A thin, oval waffle, filled with a sweet paste of sugar, butter and vanilla or vergeoise (brown sugar). A Lille specialty.
A light and elegant dessert made of two meringues joined together and coated in whipped cream, then topped with chocolate shavings.
Some hard candies with a mint flavor and a strip of caramelized sugar. Its name ('nonsense') is due to a manufacturing error that turned out to be a success.
A tender brioche simply covered with butter and vergeoise (a brown sugar typical of the region) that melts in the oven creating a delicious caramel.
A set of 23 bell towers in the region, which symbolize civic power in the Middle Ages. Includes those of Lille, Arras, Calais and Dunkerque.
Recognized as a masterpiece of Gothic art for the coherence of its floor plan, the beauty of its interior elevation and its intelligent sculptural program.
A cultural landscape that bears witness to three centuries of coal extraction, with waste dumps, mining pits, train stations and working-class cities.
The citadel of Arras is the most prominent example in the region of the work of Louis XIV's military engineer.
A newly inscribed transnational site that includes numerous cemeteries and memorials in the region, such as the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Thiepval Memorial.
Late spring and summer (May to September) offer the most pleasant and sunny weather, ideal for enjoying the coast and outdoor activities. The end of summer allows you to experience the famous Braderie de Lille (September). Winter is the time of the Dunkirk Carnival, a unique experience despite the cold. Autumn can be gray and rainy, but it is a good time to enjoy gastronomy and museums with fewer people.
The weather can be very changeable and unpredictable throughout the year, especially on the coast; It is essential to bring clothing for rain and wind. For the Braderie de Lille, it is absolutely necessary to book accommodation many months, even a year, in advance. Many beaches on the Opal Coast are pebbly and the water of the English Channel is cold even in summer.
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